FOOTBALL fans in Burton have been handed a World Cup warning before the tournament kicks off on Thursday.

Staffordshire Police are reminding supporters that they will be on hand to deal with any incidents of domestic abuse and alcohol-related disorder.

Statistically, there is an increase in the number of domestic abuse cases during summer football tournaments as people head to pubs and bars to take in the games and drink alochol.

The warning has been issued ahead of England’s first game against Italy on Saturday night, which kicks of at 11pm in the UK. Licensed premises across the country are expected to see an increased turnout as a result, with many being granted permission to stay open later so that fans can watch the game.

However, supporters throughout East Staffordshire have been told to make sure that they know their limits and stay in control of their behaviour. A video published online during Euro 2012 has also been updated to highlight the darker side of drinking.

Inspector Rob Neeson told the Mail: “We’ll have police in and around Burton town centre to keep an eye on public order for the first England game, especially because it’s a Saturday night.

“We also have a unit in place who are dedicated to domestic violence incidents. They will go out and talk to those who are most likely to be affected and make sure that they are okay.

“The team will also be the first to respond to any domestic violence incidents that are reported to us throughout the World Cup. We’ve got plenty of county-wide procedures set out but in Burton we’ll be making sure that it all passes by as smoothly as possible.”

Officers have also been issuing posters to pubs and bars throughout the town reminding fans that they could be arrested if they are found to be in breach of a public order offence.

They also include information about how long it takes for alcohol to leave the body in a bid to cut down on the number of people stopped for drink-driving, particularly the morning after an England game.

Anyone concerned about domestic abuse, alcohol-related disorder or drink-driving can report it on the non emergency number 101 or 999 in an emergency situation.